The Washington critic., 1887-12-03
WASHINGTON, DEC. 3. 1887.
CONVENTIONS AT THE CAPITAL

The New York 7imos, speaking OF
National Conventions and where they
should or should not be held, says that
"the National Capital Is, in some re.
spects, the most unfit place for polit.
ical convention"
at might be OF some advantage 10
an existing Administration seeking to
perpetuate ITSELF" continues the Times,
"but that Is reason why 1t should not
lie chosen. The present Administra-
tion has no need Of such an advantage,
and, II II had, 1t ought not 10 have 1t,
for of all the influences of which q
nominating convention should be free
that of the Government holds the first
place.
But again: CAS- there Is likely to be
date, local atmosphere will probably
not count"
So that after ALL though under Ger
tain circumstances II might not do to
hold the Democratic convention In
Washington, 1t would be a very proper
thing to have 1t here In the absence of
those circumstances. There would be
no impropriety in 1t iu that case, the
element of location being wholly i'm.
material so far as Mr.. Cleveland is con.
cerned.
As we understand our esteemed
New York contemporary It would be
IN advantage to an administration seek
ing continuance Of power 10 have rs
party convention held In Washington,
under its immediate eye, and subject
TO its direct manipulation, where there
was any doubt or likelihood OF contest
as TO the denomination. But where
the denomination is foregone conclu.
sion, as In the present instance, It
would be matter Of no consequence.
The city Of Washington would answer
as well and be as free from objection
as any other city.
Why is the National Capital not also
a fit place for the Republican Conven-
tion?
The objections that might lie to
holding Democratic Convention at
the official residence Of a Democratic
administration, In the event Of compe.
titions for the succession, would cer-
tainly not apply to convention Of the
party not In power. The Republicans
could meet and make their nominations
In Washington with as much fairness
TO all Interests and with as much
facility and freedom as though they
should meet In Chicago or Philadel-
phia or eapolls-possibly more;
for here they would all stand upon
neutral ground and common footing,
independent of local pressure of ever y
sort.
Therefore, we see no valid reason
why both conventions for 1888 may
not be called at the National Capital.
The Democrats would be embarrassed
by no apprehensions of undue intlu.
ence or Interference on the part of an
Administration which they came here
prepared to unanimously indorse, nor
would the Republicans labor under any
fear of being cajoled. intimidated OF
hoodwinked by an Administration with
which they had no sympathetic rela.
lions and only the fixed purpose to
overthrow.
The National Capital not being an
unfit place for holding political con.
veniions, excepting as assumed that II
IL. under certain conditions, which dc
, not now exist, the citizens Of Wash
ington may justly place their claims
and wiahes In the premises before the
National Committees OF the two great
parties when they assemble here. The
object In view Is worth q strong and
united effort.
II It be urged that the District OF
Columbia has no political weight 10
the councils of either party, so much
the better. 1t makes no demands, II
asks no favors, 1t belongs to no factions
1t enters Into no combinations. 1t has
>. no candidates; but It offers 10 the poll
ticians Its disinterested hospitallties
upon free and equal terms, and, In all
our national contests, has been invarIa
bly, generous and jealous factor.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY GRINNELL oi
Chicago handed In his resignation
Wednesday and Immediately took hi,
seat upon the bench to which he wai
recently elected. Being interviewed
with regard to his experience as
prosecuting officer, he also availet
himself of the opportunity to compl
ment the public press for the ell
cient assistance 1t had rendered him OIL
various occasions. He said
Newspaper men have been at my heels al
most continually for two years, But hay
been well-treated by them, almost withou
exception. have trusted newspape
men almost indiscriminately, telling then
$50 much you may PRINT and then addlnI
''but this Is for your private Information, an
must not be printed under any circuu
Stances Rarely has my confidence bee
abused. Newspaper m6h keep their promise
better than good many other people. :
have found y'Vlniiuence OF the public pres
an nyaluableSassistant to the public pros,
eutor. The press. more than any othe
agency has helped to cultivate that healthfu
public sentiment which is OF such value TO III
public officer. In rare, isolated cases III
newspapers, by premature publication, ret ar
the ends Of justice, but the preponderanco
influence is SO great in the other dreotio
that my experience has taught me TO loo
upon the newspaper press as the greatest c
all auxiliarles to the administration {
Justice.
1t Is needless to remark that Judg
Grinnell, by this just and generou
tribute. has made himself solid with th
"boys" for all time to come.